Last parcel of Riverfront district development approved

EVERETT, Wash. – Everett City Council members have given the green light to Shelter Holdings to develop the last parcel of the Riverfront district.

The Everett Herald reports the change will bring 1,250 units of housing, more than 2,500 parking spaces, a grocery store and other retail shops to the old landfill site, which is pinched between I-5 and the Snohomish River.

Since the city approved the master plan in 2009, there has been an extensive cleanup of the area and plans have evolved into what it would become.

In 2017, Ikea dropped plans to anchor a commercial development in the area, so now it will accomplish what the mayor calls “a better project.”

Starting this summer, the first phase of the project will begin with building a portion of the housing units and some entertainment, in addition to the main road that will connect to the northern and southern portions of the land, which are residential.

One of the things people in the area will be able to enjoy is a public park, which is also expected to be built during the first phase.

After that phase, the next four are expected to bring more living space atop a floor of retail and possibly a medical office, the Everett Herald reports.

Completion of the first phase is expected by 2021 and the entire project to be ready by 2034, a project spokesperson said.

The Herald also reported that a city buy-back option is included in the deal if the first phase isn’t finished by July 2024.